{"id":78164,"date":"2025-01-14T01:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T06:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=78164"},"modified":"2025-01-13T23:31:47","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T04:31:47","slug":"australian-open-day-4-mens-predictions-alcaraz-nishioka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2025\/01\/14\/australian-open-day-4-mens-predictions-alcaraz-nishioka\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions Including Carlos Alcaraz vs Yoshihito Nishioka"},"content":{"rendered":"

The second round of the Australian Open kicks off on Day 4 with 16 men’s singles matches. Carlos Alcaraz, hunting for the career Grand Slam, squares off against Yoshihito Nishioka. Our other prediction sets feature Novak Djokovic vs Jaime Faria<\/a>, Casper Ruud vs Jakub Mensik<\/a> and Kei Nishikori vs Tommy Paul<\/a>. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava and Steen Kirby. Who do you think will advance?<\/p>\n

Australian Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions<\/h2>\n

Sebastian Korda vs Aleksandar Vukic<\/h4>\n

Damian<\/em>
\nKorda\u2019s abdominal issue was still bothering him against Klein and he only won five points to the Slovak\u2019s 25 in the second set. But he was able to prevail anyway and somehow this is looking like another encounter he might take even while not 100%. Vukic can provide adversity but ultimately Korda is still the favorite if his situation won\u2019t get any worse.
\nPrediction: Korda in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Ateet<\/em>
\nKorda had a tough spot in the first round against a dangerous opponent and a short turnaround after playing the final in Adelaide two days ago. He passed the test with flying colours and won his match in four sets. Vukic is coming off a five-setter and although he has troubled Korda in the past, I don\u2019t see him keeping a consistent level to win three sets.
\nPrediction: Korda in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Steen<\/em>
\nKorda continued his good form with a round 1 win, the home player Vukic needed five sets to get past the first round. Vukic will get support and he did show improvement last year on tour, but he’s never made it to the third round at the AO and I don’t think that changes now.
\nPrediction: Korda in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Roberto Carballes Baena vs James Duckworth<\/h4>\n

Damian<\/em>
\nThis is incredibly tough to call. Even on a court like this, Carballes Baena isn\u2019t to be underestimated with his often overlooked flat serve down the T and great consistency. Duckworth took apart Stricker in three sets though and maybe the home crowd factor can be helpful in a battle of such fine margins.
\nPrediction: Duckworth in 5<\/em><\/p>\n

Ateet<\/em>
\nRoberto Carballes Baena is in good form and made the most out of it against Alejandro Tabilo in the first round. James Duckworth was even more impressive in his straight-sets win over Dominic Striker. Neither player has gone past the second round at the Australian Open before so this is a golden opportunity for them. I have the Australian as a slight favourite in this one.
\nPrediction: Duckworth in 5<\/em><\/p>\n

Steen<\/em>
\nRCB is playing well but much prefers clay, his record at the AO is quite poor, while the veteran Duckworth has a real chance to reach his first ever third round at his home slam. I’ll back the upset ranking wise, as Duckworth fights his hardest under the Melbourne sun.
\nPrediction: Duckworth in 5<\/em><\/p>\n

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